THE HAGUE - The Orange Fund has announced the organizations nominated for the 2026 Appeltjes van Oranje (Orange Fund Awards), which recognize outstanding social initiatives in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Each year, the Orange Fund presents three Appeltjes van Oranje to organizations that make a significant contribution to society. The theme for the 2026 edition is “Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Together.” The awards will be presented by Queen Máxima on October 8, 2026.
This year's Caribbean nominees are Trampolin pa Trabao from Aruba and Mega D Youth Foundation from St. Eustatius. The eight other nominated organizations are:
- Stichting Nu De Toekomst
- Stichting Doors Wide Open (Goor)
- Stichting Social Klus (Roosendaal)
- Armoedecoalitie (Utrecht)
- Get a Grip – Humanitas Eindhoven
- Thuis in West – Krachtgezin Rotterdam
- Stek – Buurt en Lukas Den Haag
- Stichting Spaarkracht (national organization)
Public Voting and Pitch Days
A total of fifty organizations were considered for one of the ten nominations.
The first nominee was selected through an online public voting campaign held in May. Stichting Social Klus secured its nomination after receiving 3,400 votes out of more than 40,000 cast.
The remaining candidates participated in pitch days held in Curaçao and Groenekan, where they presented their projects to fellow participants and a selection jury. The Curaçao jury consisted of former politician Etienne Ys, Orange Fund board member Glenn Thodé, and Orange Fund staff member Pablo Aguirre.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
According to the Orange Fund, poverty remains a persistent challenge throughout the Caribbean. Its impact extends beyond financial hardship, affecting health, educational opportunities, and social participation.
The organization notes that approximately one in three residents in the Caribbean lives in poverty. Existing poverty-reduction policies are often complex or insufficient, leaving many people without the support they need.
For that reason, community-based social initiatives play a crucial role in preventing and reducing poverty. These organizations work directly with residents, earn their trust, and provide practical support tailored to local needs.
For the 2026 Appeltjes van Oranje, the Orange Fund is specifically seeking organizations that help people break free from poverty and debt in a sustainable way. Successful nominees are organizations that empower individuals through knowledge, skills, guidance, and opportunities. A key criterion in the selection process is that the organization must actively contribute to preventing or reducing poverty within its community.